Wheelchair Van Seating Options

 

Finding a wheelchair accessible vehicle with enough seating for your needs can be difficult. Caregivers or parents often find themselves in a situation where they need a wheelchair conversion to transport a loved one or patient in a wheelchair along with several other ambulatory passengers. As anyone with a wheelchair accessible vehicle probably already knows, this can be difficult. 

The extensive modifications made to the back of the vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair often remove some of the OEM seats. This can make it a challenge for caregivers, parents, wheelchair transport vans, paratransit vans or wheelchair taxis for ambulatory passengers in their wheelchair vehicle. But in some vehicles, the opposite can be true — too many seats can leave your wheelchair passengers feeling cramped or secluded in the third row.

Thankfully, there are options available to suit almost anyone’s needs when it comes to accessible vehicle seating. Freedom Motors USA offers a variety of Handicap Vehicles For Sale with their own seating arrangements, with full-cut and half-cut options. Here’s a breakdown of what Freedom Motors has to offer to help find the right vehicle for you.

Full-Cut or Half-Cut?

Freedom Motors offers most wheelchair vans and wheelchair accessible SUVs in two options: full-cut or half-cut. This refers to the size of the conversion in the actual vehicle. On full-cut vehicles, the lowered floor extends from the very back of the vehicle all the way to the front seats, allowing wheelchair passengers to sit in the second row. On half-cut vehicles, the lowered floor of the conversion extends only partially and puts wheelchair passengers in the third row.

 

Full-Cut Vehicles Half-Cut Vehicles
Wheelchair Position Second or third row Third row
Wheelchair Capacity Up to two wheelchairs or one stretcher depending on model One wheelchair
Ambulatory Passengers Up to five passengers depending on model Up to five passengers
Available Vehicles SUVs and vans SUVs and vans

 

Each option has its own advantages. Full-cut vehicles provide the most space for wheelchair passengers, and bring them up to the second row. This is a great way to keep them more included in the conversation with the front seats and other passengers. Some full-cut vehicles offer room for two wheelchairs or one stretcher.

Read More:

4 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles for 2 Wheelchairs

Half-cut vehicles still offer plenty of options, but they only have room for one wheelchair passenger in the third row. They offer plenty of seating options for additional ambulatory passengers. 

Two-Person Folding Bench

The two-person folding bench is a great option for those who occasionally need some extra seating that won’t get in the way. With options to go in the second or third row depending on the vehicle, this bench is a great way to make sure you have the additional seating you may need without becoming cumbersome or inconvenient. It is also the only option available to be placed in the third row.

The two-person folding bench is available for the mid-row on:

  • Toyota Sienna 30” and 34” ramps

The two-person folding bench is available for the third row on:

 

OEM Remount

For some vehicles, there is an option to remount the OEM seats that originally came with the vehicle in the second row. There are several advantages that come with keeping the OEM seats.

Remounting the OEM captain’s chairs will give you the widest bucket seat option possible. They’re also great for families with young kids, as the wider seat makes it easier to secure a car seat. Because they originally came with the vehicle, the OEM seats will perfectly match the look of the vehicle’s front seats.

Remounted OEM seats are available on the following vehicles:

  • Toyota Sienna – Half-Cut
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid – Half-Cut
  • Chevrolet Traverse – Half-Cut
  • Buick Enclave – Half-Cut
  • Hyundai Palisade – Half-Cut
  • Kia Telluride – Half-Cut
  • Chrysler Pacifica – All Models
  • Chrysler Voyager – All Models

Contact A Mobility Specialist

OEM Remount on Flip & Fold Bases

Formerly available on the Dodge Grand Caravan, the OEM seats can be mounted on Flip & Fold bases. This means you get all of the benefits granted by OEM seating — wider seats, ability to easily secure car seats, and a design that matches the front seats — along with the ability to fold the seats out of the way. When not in use the seats can be folded up on the sides of the vehicle, making room for a wheelchair passenger in the second row.

This option is available on:

  • Dodge Grand Caravan – discontinued

OEM Middle Bench Remount

The OEM middle bench remount option is perfect for families who need lots of seats. This option takes the OEM bench seat that originally comes with the vehicle and remounts it in the second row, providing three seats in the second row and room for a wheelchair passenger in the third row. Because the OEM bench originally came with the vehicle, it will perfectly match the look of the front seats. 

The OEM middle bench remount is available on the following models:

  • Toyota Sienna – Half-Cut Models
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid – Half-Cut Models
  • Buick Enclave – Half-Cut Models
  • Chevrolet Traverse – Half-Cut Models
  • Chrysler Pacifica – Half-Cut Models
  • Chrysler Voyager – Half-Cut Models
  • Hyundai Palisade – Half-Cut Models
  • Kia Telluride – Half-Cut Models

60/40 on Flip & Fold Bases

The 60/40 on Flip & Fold bases is a great option for paratransit companies or families who just need a little extra flexibility when it comes to seating. Available on the Toyota Sienna, this option uses the OEM middle bench remount seats but the Flip & Fold bases allow them to be folded up and out of the way. With the bench folded down, the second row can seat three ambulatory passengers with room for one wheelchair in the third row. With the seats folded up, the vehicle can fit two wheelchairs or one stretcher.

Available on:

  • Toyota Sienna – 30″, 34″, or Superwide 48″ Ramp (2020 and older model years)

Commuter Bucket Seats

Commuter Bucket Seats are placed in the second-row on either side of the conversion area. These bucket seats provide room for wheelchair passengers while also providing comfortable seating.The thin back cushion provides plenty of hip-to-knee room while still providing an ergonomically correct seat and back, providing lumbar support. With an all steel construction, 3-point integrated shoulder belts and a 17.5” wide seat cushion, the Commuter Bucket Seats strike a great balance between providing room in the conversion area and comfort for ambulatory passengers.

Commuter Bucket Seats are available on the following models:

  • Chrysler Pacifica Full Cut
  • Chrysler Voyager Full Cut
  • Chevrolet Traverse Full Cut
  • Buick Enclave Full Cut
  • Kia Sorento Full Cut
  • Kia Telluride Full Cut
  • Hyundai Palisade Full Cut
  • Toyota Sienna Full Cut (2020 model years and older)
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid Full Cut (2021 model years and newer)

 

FeatherLight Bucket Seats

The FeatherLight Bucket Seats are the narrowest second-row seating option at 17.5” wide, allowing for more room in the conversion area. The backrest is ultra-thin, allowing for more hip-to-knee room and lumbar support. The FeatherLight seats use the OEM seat belt and sport a steel frame, making them a durable option.

FeatherLight Bucket Seats are available on the following models:

  • Buick Enclave
  • Chevrolet Traverse
  • Chrysler Pacifica
  • Chrysler Voyager
  • Hyundai Palisade
  • Kia Sorento
  • Kia Telluride
  • Toyota Sienna 34″, Superwide 48″ (2020 model years and previous)
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid Full Cut (2021 model years and newer)

FeatherLight Bucket Seats

The FeatherLight Bucket Seats are the narrowest second-row seating option at 17.5” wide, allowing for more room in the conversion area. The backrest is ultra-thin, allowing for more hip-to-knee room and lumbar support. The FeatherLight seats use the OEM seat belt and sport a steel frame, making them a durable option.

FeatherLight Bucket Seats are available on the following models:

  • Buick Enclave
  • Chevrolet Traverse
  • Chrysler Pacifica
  • Chrysler Voyager
  • Hyundai Palisade
  • Kia Sorento
  • Kia Telluride
  • Toyota Sienna 34″, Superwide 48″ (2020 model years and previous)
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid Full Cut (2021 model years and newer)

Freedom Motors USA Transfer Seat

The Freedom Motors Transfer Seat allows for wheelchair users to transfer themselves from their wheelchair in the second-row to either seat in the front-row. This feature is ideal for wheelchair users who would like to drive themselves or would like to ride in the front passenger seat.

The Freedom Motor Transfer seat remounts the OEM front-row seat onto a 32” track that allows the seat to move back toward the second-row and swivel 90 degrees inward with a wired remote. 

Any features available in the OEM seat (climate control, OEM movement controls, etc.) are maintained. The Freedom Motors USA Transfer Seat is available on automatic ramp conversions of the following full-cut vehicles:

  • Buick Enclave (Driver Only)
  • Chevy Traverse (Driver only)
  • Chrysler Pacifica (Driver and Passenger available)
  • Chrysler Voyager (Driver and Passenger available)
  • Kia Soul (Driver and Passenger available)
  • Toyota Sienna 30″, 34″, 48” (2020 model years and older) (Driver and Passenger available)

Ricon Transfer Seat

The Ricon Transfer Seat is another design that allows wheelchair users to transfer themselves to the first-row seating. The Ricon Seat replaces the OEM seat and is mounted on a Ricon seat base with it’s own set of controls. 

  • Available on automatic conversions.
  • Ricon seat mounted on Ricon seat base with its own seat controls
  • Shorter track than FMI-manufactured transfer seat
  • Swivels and can be adjusted up and down.

Stretcher Securement

Wheelchair Accessible Toyota Sienna Stretcher Vans for Sale Wheelchair Accessible Toyota Sienna Stretcher Vans for Sale Wheelchair Accessible Toyota Sienna Stretcher Vans For Sale

Freedom Motors stretcher vans use an antler and rail system that makes loading and unloading patients in a stretcher, gurney or cot easy. Simply place the front two wheels in the antler, use the rail to secure the stretcher and your patient is ready to ride safely.

The best part about Freedom Motors’ stretcher vans is their versatility. Removing the antler and rail securement system is easy and allows for up to two wheelchair passengers and five ambulatory passengers in mixed configurations. Various seating options are available to better suit your needs.

Read More:

Versatile Stretcher Vans Now For Sale

Legacy Options

These options listed below are no longer available on new Freedom Motors USA vehicles. This information is listed purely as a resource for customers looking for information pertaining to older FMI vehicle models.

Deluxe Buckets – Retired

The Deluxe Buckets were a legacy option that is no longer available for new Freedom Motors USA vehicles. This information is presented as a resource for customers who may have an older FMI vehicle with these seats installed.

Available as a second row seating option, the Deluxe Buckets offer a narrower seat than the OEM options. This allows for more space in the conversion area and more room in the second row overall. Available in premium vinyl or cloth and a variety of colors, they will offer a close match to the OEM front seats.

Deluxe Bucket seats are available in the following models:

  • Toyota Sienna – 34” Ramps
  • Chevrolet Traverse – All Models
  • Buick Enclave – All Models
  • Kia Sorento – All Models
  • Kia Telluride – All Models
  • Hyundai Palisade – All Models

Freedman Buckets – Retired

The Deluxe Buckets were a legacy option that is no longer available for new Freedom Motors USA vehicles. This information is presented as a resource for customers who may have an older FMI vehicle with these seats installed.

Freedman Buckets Seating for Accessible Vehicles

At the time, the Freedman Buckets were the narrowest second-row bucket seat available, providing even more room in the conversion area than the Deluxe Buckets. Available on Toyota Sienna conversions, there are different colors of cloth available to closer match the OEM seating.

Freedman Buckets were available on the following models:

  • Toyota Sienna – 34” and Superwide 48” Ramp

 

About Freedom Motors USA Wheelchair Vehicles

Why buy your wheelchair accessible vehicle from Freedom Motors USA? It’s simple. Freedom Motors is family-owned and has been creating accessible vehicle conversions since 1987, making us one of the first companies in the industry. We have experience getting our customers what they need.

  • Don’t know where to start? Our team of Mobility Specialists will work with you to help find the vehicle that best suits your needs.
  • Shop from Home – Freedom Motors will come to you anywhere in the country to provide a demonstration of any of our wheelchair conversions.
  • Exclusive Stock – Shop our expansive list of Wheelchair Accessible SUVs that you won’t find anywhere else in the mobility industry, including the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Sorento, Kia Soul, Kia Telluride and Honda HR-V.
  • Hybrid Vehicles – Check out the industry’s first Toyota Sienna Hybrid Wheelchair Van wheelchair-accessible conversion, with a no-charge hybrid drivetrain making it the most efficient wheelchair van on the market.
  • Premium Features – Freedom Motors conversions offer top-of-the-line features, like the automatic rear-entry ramp or our full and half-cut options that allow for more passenger seating options.
  • Superwide Ramps – Freedom Motors offers some of the widest ramps in the industry that you won’t find anywhere else like the Superwide 48” Toyota Sienna.
  • Dedicated to Keeping You Moving – Contact us today and we’ll work with you to find the right vehicle for you.

 

Freedom Motors USA | Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

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